Junction, St. Claude’s newest tavern, to open by August 1

Junction (3021 St. Claude Ave.), the highly anticipated tavern and pub food outpost in Bywater, will open late this summer with a train theme, says managing partner Lloyd Miller.

"We're working hard and hope to have the doors open by the first of August," he says.

The restaurant hasn't hired a chef yet, but Miller says the menu will focus on elevated bar fare, with burgers (which will have "railroad-inspired regional flavor profiles") made from 100 percent grass-fed beef, wings and meal-size salads.

The project is a collaboration between Miller, who formerly worked at Molly's at the Market, and Jim and Alana Monaghan, who own Molly's 13 Monaghan, a Frenchmen Street staple.

Classic cocktails and craft beers — there will be more than 40 on tap — will be a primary focus, with food options crafted to pair nicely with the tavern's drink offerings.

"We're putting a lot of thought into a menu that's well-executed but not complicated," Miller says. "I'm excited about what we have in store for the neighborhood."